Why did you choose a job in this profession?
I came into the IP profession after spending (many) years working in academic research. I knew I wanted a career that was still intellectually stimulating and used my degree, without being tied to the lab bench. This is a very common theme among patent attorneys! When I heard about a career as a trainee patent attorney, I really liked the idea of a job that combined science and law. As I learnt more about it, it became that clear that the management of a client’s IP portfolio is very strategic, so there is also a business/commercial element to the job. I found the prospect of working on a variety of technologies and innovations, rather than researching one niche subject, really exciting.
How did you get your role at Appleyard Lees?
When applying for trainee patent attorney roles, there are lots of things to consider. Do you want to work in-house or in private practice? Do you have a preference to work in London or other specific location? Do you have a preference for the kinds of clients you would like to work with, or the sort of technologies you want to work on? There is lots of information available to help you make this choice. When I was offered a position at Appleyard Lees, I was delighted. Appleyard Lees is a very collegiate firm with an inclusive, supportive environment.
What are the main duties of your role?
From day one I was working on client cases and towards deadlines. Whilst this can be daunting, there is lots of support available. No question is too silly (trust me, I’ve asked them all) and it is encouraged to approach anyone in the firm, be it a fellow trainee, senior Associate or a partner.
On my first day, I was starting at the very beginning of the career ladder, with no legal training (which is not required to join the profession) or previous knowledge of the patent system. This can take a bit of getting used to, especially if you have previously spent several years becoming an expert in your field, but what is important is your attitude. However, you should not let this put you off as you are taught the legal aspects on the job, and it is OK to get lots of feedback on your work. If you are willing to take on board feedback and are eager to continuously learn and develop, a career as a patent attorney can be very rewarding.
Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to enter the profession?
I’m often asked about the pros and cons of my job. Perhaps the most rewarding part for me is speaking with inventors and researchers, who are really excited about their work. A patent attorney plays a crucial role in helping them to commercialise their idea, and is closely involved throughout the journey from idea to product. Another huge benefit is the variety of technology l work on. I am part of the Life Sciences team, and have worked on cases ranging from antibodies to the microbiome, AI methods for drug discovery to medical devices, to name just a few.
Of course, it goes without saying that a tough part of the job is the number of exams required to become a qualified attorney. It should not be underestimated how much personal time needs to go into passing them. When I first joined Appleyard Lees, I had not sat exams for a long time and thought those days were behind me! However, there is always lots of support both internally from qualified attorneys and other trainees in the same position, and externally through revision courses. Another aspect is that the job is very deadline driven. This can be stressful, but I personally like working towards a deadline as I find it helps me focus and prioritise my workload.
In this career, it is important to have excellent written and verbal communication skills, the ability to work well both in a team and autonomously, good time management skills, strong analytical skills and meticulous attention to detail. These skills are not just for drafting patent applications – the job itself is very varied. Since joining Appleyard Lees I have been involved in prosecuting patent applications in many countries around the world, responding to examination reports and performing Freedom to Operate searches. There is always something new to learn and it certainly never gets boring.
Overall, a career in IP law is incredibly rewarding. I would encourage anyone thinking of applying to reach out to other trainees or other qualified attorneys and find out as much as you can!
